Mankato, Minn. – The Mankato MoonDogs lost to the St. Cloud River Bats 4-1 Tuesday at Franklin Rogers Park.

The first place River Bats were too much for the MoonDogs. They scored two runs on a single in the second inning and never looked back. They were able to put the MoonDogs away with a two more runs in the seventh and eighth innings. One was a long homerun by River Bats’ shortstop Steve Nyisztor (Rutgers). The MoonDogs were only able to get four hits on the night.

MoonDogs’ pitcher Alex Blackford (Arizona State) went seven and one third innings and allowed four runs on nine hits. Blackford received the loss as River Bats’ pitcher Tim Verthein (UW-La Crosse) got the loss.

The ‘Dogs are in St. Cloud Wednesday for a 7:05 p.m. game. They will return home Thursday to play their last five games at home for the regular season. They will play the Duluth Huskies at 7:05 p.m. at Franklin Rogers Park. It will be MinnStar Bank Baseball Giveaway and the first 400 kids receive a free MoonDogs’ glow in the dark logo baseball.